Distinguished author Phillip Lopate, editor of the celebrated anthology The Art of the Personal Essay, is universally acclaimed as “one of our best personal essayists” (Dallas Morning News). Here, combining more than 40 years of lessons from his storied career as a writer and professor, he brings us this highly anticipated nuts-and-bolts guide to writing literary nonfiction. A phenomenal master class shaped by Lopate’s informative, accessible tone, and immense gift for storytelling.

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Distinguished author Phillip Lopate, editor of the celebrated anthology The Art of the Personal Essay, is universally acclaimed as “one of our best personal essayists” (Dallas Morning News). Here, combining more than 40 years of lessons from his storied career as a writer and professor, he brings us this highly anticipated nuts-and-bolts guide to writing literary nonfiction. A phenomenal master class shaped by Lopate’s informative, accessible tone, and immense gift for storytelling, To Show and To Tell listens like a long walk with a favorite professor - refreshing, insightful, and encouraging in often unexpected ways.

This is touted as a nuts-and-bolts guide on writing literary nonfiction. This book is far from that. Its scope is narrow. The author mentions many, many nonfiction writers and refers to them for whatever topic he's covering. So unless you're familiar with these writers and their works, it won't mean much to you. I think this book is more for well-read students aspiring to be personal essayists.

When a master of his craft speaks, those who seek his wisdom have only to listen with intent. Herein contains the skills and anecdotes of a professional essayist on how to hone one's abilities in this art of writing. Much of what he says will apply to various genres of writing, both fiction and non-fiction, and all of what he offers is practical. This isn't so much a how-to book as it is an exercise in guided consideration. The idea is to present you with options by relating examples and getting you to examine your own world. For those to whom writing is a chore, this book is not for you. But if you enjoy writing and seek a little insight to take your skills to the next level, pour a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and prepare to pick the brain of someone with a lifetime of experience.

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